article thumbnail

New Kia Sorento SUV and first Sorento Hybrid; plug-in option to come

Green Car Congress

While the car was initially launched in 2002 as a utilitarian all-terrain vehicle, the fourth-generation Sorento has been transformed into something altogether more desirable. It is an important model for Kia, particularly now that it also represents the first use of electrified power in our flagship SUV.

Kia 332
article thumbnail

XL1 dive and drive: Volkswagen aggressively optimizes for efficiency in its sleek diesel plug-in hybrid

Green Car Congress

During a media event in Wolfsburg, Germany, Volkswagen provided a medium dive into details of its two-seater XL1 Super Efficient Vehicle diesel plug-in hybrid ( earlier post ) as well as some driving time on local roads and highways. kWh Li-ion battery pack. Components of the XL1 plug-in power unit. XL1s ready to roll.

Plug-in 324
article thumbnail

Volkswagen introduces new Coasting 2.0 micro hybrid system and new natural gas engine at Vienna Motor Symposium

Green Car Congress

Volkswagen is also highlighting its spectrum of efficiency and electrification solutions all the way to further optimized battery-powered propulsion as in the new e-Golf and the coming new MEB-based electric vehicles exemplified by its series of I.D. Volkswagen has been represented in the marketplace with CNG engines since 2002.

Gas 207
article thumbnail

First drive: Volvo XC90 T8 Drive-E Twin Engine PHEV sets a high bar for full-size luxury SUV plug-ins in US

Green Car Congress

With the 2016 XC90 ( earlier post ) heading to dealerships across the US, Volvo Cars gave media an opportunity to experience the next generation of its full-size luxury SUV—in both its conventional T6 and plug-in hybrid T8 Drive-E Twin Engine forms—in and around Los Angeles. Luxury plug-in hybrid SUVs coming to US market.

Volvo 150
article thumbnail

Calif. ARB releases GHG scoping plan update; more ZEVs, “LEV IV”, MD and HD regulations; ZEV for trucks; more LCFS

Green Car Congress

California’s vehicle GHG standards—authorized by AB 1493 (Pavley) in 2002, first approved in 2004, and extended in 2012—are delivering fuel consumption and CO 2 reductions. California currently has 60,000 ZEVs (primarily light-duty vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles) on its roadways.

article thumbnail

An interview with Toyota

Green Cars News

It also includes information about the eco-plant that manufactures the car, the materials used in our vehicles and the recycling of the battery: [link]. When can we hope to see a plug-in version in the UK? Over longer distances, or when the limit of battery power is reached, the system automatically shifts to conventional petrol power.

Toyota 51
article thumbnail

Hasner’s Florida State Electric Car Tax Break Gets Boost

Revenge of the Electric Car

During the fall campaign, Hasner drove a leased 2002 all-electric Toyota RAV-4 throughout his south Palm Beach-Broward county district — when gas was at its $4-a-gallon peak. “I Today, electric vehicles and plug-in cars are a niche product. Today, electric vehicles and plug-in cars are a niche product.

Florida 124